Members of the Michigan Board of Professional Engineers received guidance from Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth (DELEG) staff regarding changes that need to be made to Michigan statute in order for the Board to promulgate rules for continuing education for licensed engineers, surveyors and architects.

Article 20 of the Occupational Code currently requires "a demonstration of continuing competency" for renewal of a license. According to the State Office of Administrative Hearing and Rules (SOAHR), "continuing competency" would require completion of an examination or test. This has not the direction of the Professional Boards.

The solution is to modify language in the current statute to require completion of a "continuing education" program (in lieu of continuing competency) for license renewal. The regulatory agency (DELEG) has the authority to promulgate administrative rules for continuing "education" which does not require testing/examination.

The professions have been asked to take the lead on introducing legislation to make this change. Officials from DELEG have indicated they will support the change. In the meantime, the Boards and DELEG will continue the process for implementing the administrative rules in parallel with the statute change.

For more information Contact: ACEC